Radical Change

Thank you for reading my very first blog (ever)... I am so excited to share my journey, my heart and experiences with you.

Just four weeks ago I did not even know that Global Challenge existed and from the moment I discovered them, my entire being - heart, spirit and soul -jumped out and I knew that my life was going to be radically changed, I just had to take that leap of faith and trust God, GO and LET GO. The training had already started on 11 January in Jeffrey's Bay and on 21 January I called to ask if I could still join. There was understandably hesitation at first due to already having missed out on a lot, but as I expressed my heart, vision and passions (for God, people, Africa and serving), I will never forget these words and I will be forever grateful: "How soon can you get here, we don't want to stop what Jesus is doing in your life"...

As many of you may know, it was the quickest and boldest decision of my life (if God had given me too much of a gap, I would have probably over-thought it, fear would have crepped in and I may not have gone), I resigned from my job at Pick n Pay in Cape Town with immediate effect, packed up my house and sent things to storage and arranged a myriad of tasks in just 3 days to join the training programme. On a side note, I completed an already arranged Otter Trail trip just as I found out I was accepted to join Global Expeditions and as soon as I returned, it was a matter of moving and shaking... extremely fast.

Arriving in Jeffrey's Bay on 30 January 2016 was filled with so many mixed emotions and the weeks that lay ahead saw a lot of adjusting (emotionally, physically, spiritually) from what I ate, to what I wore, where I slept, preconceived ideas and mindsets, the people I was interacting with, new schedules and times to adhere to and a lot more - just a lot to take in and process. Unsurprisingly, it was not that hard because I have Jesus.

The last 3 weeks have been life transforming and I haven't even left for the Expedition yet. I am more content, at peace and in awe of God than I have ever been. The practical, spiritual and faith building teachings and experiences we have received and been equipped with have left my mind and thought processes positively overwhelmed and astounded. The two that have stood out for me the most is the Luke 10 Travel (read Luke 10 and think 'literally/practically' - wow you must be a bit crazy) Yes, we are a bit, but we want to make much of Jesus in and through it all. Basically we had to get from Mthatha to Jeffrey's Bay (approximately 550km) without money, food, bedding or extra clothes in groups of 3 or 4. It was truly faith building and an incredible adventurous experience, meeting wonderful people along the way and just loving them and sharing with them. The peace, protection and blessings we had all the way from God just stirred my faith so much. The toughest part was doing it barefoot (to think I was a corporate lady in high heels just a few weeks prior - I have to chuckle at myself), but just as we reached near breaking point with exceptionally sore feet, we got a lift - He never gives you more than you can handle.

The second most impactful experience on training so far has been the teachings we have received from an hugely gifted teacher - Norm Wakefield (Google him and get his resources, the teachings will blow your mind and breakdown so many foundations and preconceived ideas and perceptions we have, everything is backed up by scripture and is truly profound, from humility (it's not about you - ouch) to our purpose on earth, to being anchored in Christ, living to love and having ears to hear). 

My life will never be the same... it is being transformed and I have every confidence and excitement that this is Radical Change.

The amazing team I am a part of - Explore Africa 2016 - leave on 3 March 2016 for Tel Aviv, Israel. Follow us on Facebook (Explore Africa 2016), check out our video and meet the team - my precious brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the absolutely incredible people in my life who have showered me with love, prayers, support and encouragement. I am eternally grateful and truly looking forward to you all being a part of this journey - God's journey - with me.

Until the next blog, take care and make much of Jesus.

Jan Jan

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